Philabundance seeks volunteers for national hunger study

PHILADELPHIA — Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, is participating in the national Hunger in America 2014 study, a landmark study assessing hunger across our nation in an effort to find ways to better serve those in need in our community. Volunteers are critical in helping collect important data that will influence aspects of the hunger relief network and help food banks better understand the landscape of need in many communities across the country. The data collected is used to inform strategy, programs, and other decisions across the Feeding America network. It is also used in policy formation at both the local and national level.

Feeding America member food banks, including Philabundance, need energetic volunteers to facilitate a nationwide study of hunger. Volunteers will engage with individuals receiving food assistance, contribute to invaluable research on national hunger and help to effect positive change in in their communities. The surveys will be conducted at Philabundacne’s neighborhood food pantry agency partners.

Volunteers are responsible for attending a mandatory training session, traveling to agency sites to facilitate Client Surveys, and interacting with clients during the agency visit.

“Participating in the Hunger in America 2014 Study will provide Philabundance with a more complete picture of hunger right here in the Delaware Valley and we could not participate without the help of volunteers,” said Bill Clark, president and executive director of Philabundance. “We are always trying to improve access to food staples in addition to providing a safety net for those who find themselves in a tough spot and having a clear picture of hunger will help us improve our processes.”

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Philabundance, part of the Feeding America network, is participating in the study along with nearly 200 other food banks across the country. When completed, Hunger in America will be the largest study of charitable food assistance in the United States, providing comprehensive and statistically-valid data on the charitable food distribution system and the people being served by the Feeding America network.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jaclyn Elwell, volunteer coordinator, at jelwell@philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900.